NEC shows 2014-era portable DNA analyzer that could outpace your favorite crime drama

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/nec-shows-2014-era-portable-dna-analyzer/

NEC gave us promises of truly on-the-spot forensics when it unveiled its first portable DNA analyzer back in 2007, although the reality hasn't been quite in line with the dream: its current system takes an hour to get a result and won't win any awards for sleekness. From what we're seeing of a next-generation analyzer due in 2014, those expectations are more likely to be met. The new version puts the full DNA extraction, amplification and separation processes on a newer chip that meets NEC's original goal of producing output in 25 minutes -- faster than a short cop drama, if you include the commercial breaks. Few beyond the police will be casually tossing the analyzer around given its 70.5-pound weight and $120,000 price, but a much slicker design at least gives it the profile of a small, rolling suitcase. The upgrade could be vital for identifying suspects and victims in record time; if our only worry is that NEC takes all the mystery out of our favorite TV shows, we'll be more than satisfied.

Filed under: Science

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Via: PCWorld

Source: NEC (PDF)

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Raspberry Pi says it'll run Minecraft, demos upcoming 5-megapixel, 1080P, $25 camera

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/raspberry-pi-says-itll-run-minecraft-demos-camera-board/

The Raspberry Pi will soon be able to see all, thanks to an upcoming camera board that will mate with unused CSI pins on the $35 hobbyist board. The new 5-megapixel camera (in the video after the break) will be capable of 1080P, 30fps video, and though the prototype being shown at Electronica 2012 is attached using scotch tape technology, the Pi foundation promised it would come with a proper mount when it ships in the new year for $25. In other news, the group has also announced a new port from the Notch gaming group called "Minecraft: Pi edition." You'll be able to play the game, of course, but if you're feeling more ambitious it'll also support several programming languages, letting you "modify the game world with code" to boot. The group promised you'll be able to download it next week at the source.

Continue reading Raspberry Pi says it'll run Minecraft, demos upcoming 5-megapixel, 1080P, $25 camera

Filed under: Cameras, Robots, Science

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Source: Raspberry Pi (1), (2)

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Samsung 'Baffin' pops up in FCC; reportedly mixes 5-inch WVGA display, quad-core CPU

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/24/samsung-baffin-5-inch-wvga-android-korea/

Apparently feeling we were running low on Galaxy smartphones after the current lineup of Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III mini and Galaxy Note II, Samsung's SHV-E270L just made the FCC rounds and is rumored to be next in line. Flashing its codename "Baffin" in the documents, this device does not seem destined for an appearance beyond Korean borders, but a unique blend of specs and rumors that it will arrive as the "Galaxy Grand" continue to intrigue. Listed as an LTE phone in the Bluetooth database, and appearing in GLBenchmark reporting a 1.4GHz (possibly quad-core) CPU like the Galaxy S III, but with a much lower 800x480 WVGA display. According to a report from Korea's Money Today, the idea is to create a device for older customers that's easier to read with bigger icons and letters on its large 5-inch low res screen (as opposed to the 5-inch 1080p pixel density monsters we're now accustomed to), with a quad-core CPU pushing Android 4.1 and its Smart Stay features plus a 2,100mAh battery. We're not sure if it will increase your parent's scores in Fruit Ninja, but vision-challenged KT, LG U+ and SK Telecom customers may have an interesting decision to make very soon.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: FCC, Bluetooth, GLBenchmark

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Hack a Dead PC Power Supply Into a Rechargeable Lantern

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5962823/hack-a-dead-pc-power-supply-into-a-rechargeable-lantern

If you have access to a dead computer power supply you can use the case, power switch, wiring, and power port along with a 5v lead acid battery and a landscaping lamp bulb to create a rechargeable lantern.

Computer power supplies can burn out after several years and unless you're an advanced electronics hobbyist they're not worth trying to rebuild. Instructables user 300mpg notes that You can reuse many of the components as long as you're careful to follow proper capacitor safety procedures. To make the lantern you'll open up the power supply and remove all internals except for the power switch, power plug, and wiring. Cut out the fan grating and fit a 12v landscape lamp, but don't permanently attach it until you test the wiring. Wire the switches, lamps, and battery together and test the function of the lamp. Once that's done cut two openings in the top of the power supply case for a handle made from the the wiring bundle that connects the power supply unit to a motherboard—zip tie the ends together from inside the power supply unit and you'll have a comfortable handle for your lantern. Now you'll just need to cleanup the case and glue the battery and lamp to the casing; adding foam spacers between the case and the battery would be a good idea and used mouse pads work well for this..

From the original design you would connect a 12v sealed lead acid battery charger to the positive and negative connections on the power supply plug. As commenters on the Instructable pointed out, mounting a battery charger inside the case might be a superior design as then you already have the plug and can reuse a standard 3-prong computer power cord.

This seems like a fun project that makes dead components useful again and is worth doing as long as you follow all electrical safety procedures.

Hack-A-Lantern: Recycled Computer Power Supply Flashlight | Instructables

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Samsung's SCH-W2013 is a quad-core, dual-screen flip phone, designed for Jackie Chan

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/23/samsung-sch-w2013/

It's been almost a year since the ridiculously expensive SCH-W999 launched on China Telecom, so it's about time for Samsung to come up with yet another dual-screen flip phone to lure folks with too much money. Launched in conjunction with a big charity concert (again) earlier today is the SCH-W2013, a 1.4GHz quad-core (likely an Exynos 4412) device with Android 4.0 and dual-3.7-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED touchscreens. On top of that there's 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, microSD expansion of up to 64GB, 1,850mAh of battery juice, an eight-megapixel main imager plus a whopping 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera. As with many flagship devices on China Telecom, the W2013 comes with dual-SIM support: one for CDMA2000 800/1900 and the other for GSM 900/1800/1900. The damage? Well, there's nothing official yet, but it's believed to be somewhere between ¥18,000 ($2,900) and ¥20,000 ($3,210). After all, it ain't cheap to hire Jackie Chan (and he was also given a W2013 at the concert).

Gallery: Samsung's SCH-W2013 is a quad-core, dual-screen flip phone, designed for Jackie Chan

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Source: Samsung

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